Žižek And So On Pure Excess w/ Todd McGowan
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Feb 16, 2025 Todd McGowan, author and expert in psychoanalysis and capitalism, dives into the enchanting world of commodities and their excess. He critiques how capitalism reveals human desires while overshadowing practicality. The conversation touches on the temptations of consumer culture, ethical dilemmas surrounding products like eggs, and the paradox of organic versus non-organic choices. McGowan also explores the vital role of 'useless excess' in creating enjoyment amidst a frustrating socio-economic landscape, challenging listeners to rethink their consumption.
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The Commodity Form's Deception
- The commodity form seems to offer more than its inherent value, creating a sense of excess.
- This "more" stems from surplus labor, disguising profit as an ideological form.
The Illusion of More
- Even with limitless options, like a soda fountain, consumers strive for more excess by mixing flavors.
- This pursuit of more is a fundamental capitalist deception, a fantasy of achieving pure plenitude.
Misinterpreting Plato
- Todd McGowan recounts a conversation with a pro-capitalist podcaster who misinterpreted Plato's Allegory of the Cave.
- The podcaster argued it exemplified humans' inherent desire for more, ignoring its critique of wealth accumulation.
